Beginning in the early 18th century, Bagheria
became the site of a number of grand palaces and villas built by the Sicilian
nobility. In an effort to move closer to the Spanish viceroy, the king's
court, and the political center of Sicily, these Sicilian princes and barons
began to construct their summer homes in Bagheria, just seven miles from
Palermo.

The migration of these Sicilian families created
the first middle class in feudal Sicily. Large estates throughout Sicily
were rented to a new middle class called the "Gabelotti" or tenant
farmers. These tenants worked the land, hired peasants, campiere, and others
to help run the estate, then paid the Sicilian barons a share of the profits.

In Bagheria, the Sicilian nobility lived in grand
villas, designed to impress and entertain their Spanish rulers.

VILLA PALAGONIAPalagonia, the most famous villa, is known as
the 'villa of the monsters'. It was founded by Ferdinando Francesco Gravina,
the Prince of Palagonia. Construction began in 1715 and finished in 1749.

A Gallery and Hall of Mirrors

Frescos on Hall Walls

VILLA LARDERIAFounded by the Prince of Larderia, it's unique
architecture is star-shaped and is unlike any other in Sicily.The villa is now part of Mary's College of Nuns.

VILLA ARAGONA-CUTO

This villa was founded in the early XVIII century
by Luigi Naselli, the Prince of Aragona. Like other Baroque villas of this
era, it features a double staircase and is decorated with frescos.

VILLA INGUAGGIATO

This villa was built in 1770. It is the work
of Andrea Gigante, an architect from Trapani, Sicily.

VILLA RAMMACCA

This villa was founded about 1740 by the Prince
of Rammacca, Bernardo Gravina.

A view down a pedestrian walkway in Bagheria

Bagheria, Sicily

VILLA CATTOLICAFrancesco Bonanno, Prince of Cattolica built
this villa in 1736. The main facade has a double Baroque staircase. The
villa currently is used as an art gallery thanks to the donation of R.
Guttuso, a Sicilian artist whose ashes rest in a monumental sarcophagus
next to the villa.